Irresistibly Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick, mouthwatering pasta dish that delivers big flavor without the fuss? This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe is the perfect go-to for weeknight dinners, date nights, or when you just want to treat yourself to something deliciously satisfying. Juicy shrimp, a buttery garlic sauce, bright lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a skillet masterpiece that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

If you enjoy seafood pasta dishes like Garlic Parmesan Shrimp or quick dinners like Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you’re going to love this one too.

This recipe is ideal for seafood lovers and pasta fans alike, and you don’t need to be a professional chef to pull it off. It’s elegant, flavorful, and family-friendly all at once.

What Is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish known for its savory, buttery garlic sauce. The word “scampi” originally referred to a type of small crustacean, but in American kitchens, it’s all about shrimp cooked in garlic, butter, and lemon. Adding pasta transforms it into a hearty main course, giving you more ways to soak up the luxurious sauce.

This version stays close to the classic while enhancing the flavor with lemon, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of kick. Serve it with crusty bread or alongside roasted vegetables like these Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta

There are plenty of reasons this shrimp scampi with pasta recipe deserves a place in your weekly rotation:

• Fast and Easy: It takes under 30 minutes to prepare.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
• Elegant Yet Simple: Great for guests or weeknights.
• Customizable: Swap pasta types or add vegetables.
• Kid-Friendly: Just reduce the chili flakes for milder taste.

You can also easily adapt it to suit dietary preferences. If you’re looking for a gluten-free or low-carb option, try swapping the pasta for spiralized zucchini or a side of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs.

Save

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this shrimp pasta masterpiece:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth or reserved pasta water
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Optional: sun-dried tomatoes, spinach

If you love experimenting with flavor, try adding a few spoonfuls of Sweet Chili Sauce for a spicy, tangy twist.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large sauté pan or skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Pasta strainer or colander
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

4. Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in chicken broth or reserved pasta water, stirring to scrape up the bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Add lemon juice, cooked pasta, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything to combine and coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce seems dry, add more pasta water gradually.

6. Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and extra lemon zest if desired.

For a fun side, try pairing this dish with something festive like Snake Charmers Pretzels or balance it with a refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad.

Save

Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

• Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they become rubbery quickly.
• Fresh garlic and lemon juice make a noticeable difference.
• Don’t rinse your pasta; the starch helps the sauce stick.
• Add a handful of spinach during the final toss for extra color and nutrients.

If you’re into creamy textures, stir in a bit of cream cheese or a splash of cream, or explore creamy options like Creamy Mushroom Pasta.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking Shrimp: Pull them off the heat as soon as they turn opaque.
• Burning Garlic: Always cook garlic on medium heat, not high.
• Skipping Lemon: The lemon adds brightness to the buttery sauce.
• Dry Pasta: Always reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce.

Want to pair it with another seafood dish? You’ll love Cucumber Shrimp Salad as a fresh starter or side.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Replace linguine with fettuccine, angel hair, or even Sourdough Discard Tortillas on the side.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or artichokes.
• Spice it up with extra chili flakes or Cajun seasoning.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives.

If you’re a fan of pasta bakes, check out the Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce for another dinner idea.

How to Store and Reheat

Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water. Avoid the microwave—it tends to overcook the shrimp.

This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the shrimp and pasta.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

Serve your shrimp scampi pasta hot and fresh with:

• A slice of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
• A crisp green salad or Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca
• Steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus
• A fun dessert like Strawberry Cloud Cake to end the meal on a sweet note

Save

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What pasta should I use?
Linguine or spaghetti are perfect, but angel hair and fettuccine also work.

Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely. Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of Sweet Chili Sauce for extra heat.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes. Just reduce or omit the chili flakes for younger eaters.

Can I use another protein?
Yes. Try scallops, chicken, or even tofu for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.

If you love dishes like this, don’t miss out on our High Protein Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry or cozy dinners like Southern Shrimp and Grits. Hungry for more? Browse our Dinner Recipes section for endless inspiration.

Enjoyed this recipe? Share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly recipe drops that are just as easy and delicious.

Print